Highland Boy and Dogs n.d.

This monochrome drawing depicts a young boy with his dogs. The innocence of youth is intertwined here with the symbolism of loyalty and companionship. Note how the dogs embrace the boy, their bodies intertwined in an almost protective gesture. The bond between humans and dogs, an age-old motif, appears across cultures from ancient Egyptian depictions of dogs as guardians to the faithful hounds in Renaissance portraiture. It has long symbolized fidelity, trust, and unconditional love. The presence of dead birds indicates the hunt, a rite of passage into manhood. Consider how these motifs tap into our collective memory. This image evokes a sense of nostalgia, connecting us to archetypal themes of nature, companionship, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a reminder of the deep, often subconscious, emotional power that images hold over us.